Pneumonia
Pathophysiology-6
3 December 2012
Source: http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/what_pneumonia_000064_1.htmixzz2EEJ58
http://www.health-reports.com/pneumonia.html
http://www.webmd.com/lung/tc/pneumonia-symptoms
http://www.localhealth.com/article/pneumonia/symptoms
Pneumonia is inflammation of the lung that is most often caused by infection with bacteria, viruses, or other organisms. Occasionally, inhaled chemicals that irritate the lungs can cause pneumonia. Healthy people can usually fight off pneumonia infections. However, people who are sick have a weakened immune system. This makes it easier for bacteria to grow in their lungs. Bacteria are the most common causes of pneumonia.
The symptoms of some bacterial pneumonias develop very quickly and include shaking chills followed by fever , chest pain on the side of the infected lung , Nausea, vomiting, and muscle aches. Emergency symptoms include high fever , blood in phlegm , and rapid heart beat. A full recovery from pneumonia can be expected with proper medical attention and self-care, including plenty of rest, lots of fluids, and a healthy diet.
The earlier the condition is treated, the better the prognosis is. Adults over age 65, people with lung disease, residents of nursing homes, or patients recovering from surgery are at a higher risk of getting pneumonia. Treatments for pneumonia are beneficial such as drinking plenty of liquids and cough a little more just to clear the lungs because it is healthy.
The best way to prevent a serious respiratory infection like pneumonia is to avoid sick people and to practice good hygiene. Washing hands with antibacterial soap and disinfecting things wouldn’t hurt either.